Heated tobacco device and heating power control method therefor

Abstract

A heated tobacco device and a heating power control method. The heated tobacco device comprises a housing (1), and a heating module (5), a control module (2), a power source module (3) and an airflow sensing module (7), which are arranged in the housing (1), wherein the housing (1) is provided with a heating cavity (4) for a tobacco stick to insert, and an air intake channel (6) that communicates the heating cavity (4) with the outside and is used for air inflow during inhalation; the airflow sensing module (7) is used for measuring the temperature and flow rate of an airflow in the air intake channel (6); the heating module (5) comprises a heating element arranged inside and / or on a surface of the heating cavity (4); the power source module (3) is used for providing a real-time variable output power for the heating element; and the control module (2) is used for controlling a heating power of the heating module (5) by means of adjusting the output power of the power source module (3) on the basis of the temperature and flow rate data measured by the airflow sensing module (7). The heated tobacco device enables a tobacco stick to always be heated at a constant temperature under complex working conditions, and thus the tobacco stick is kept at an optimal aerosol release temperature.

Description

A heating smoke appliance and its heating power control method

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411531574.1, filed on October 30, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of tobacco technology, and in particular to a heated smoking device and a method for controlling its heating power. Background Technology

[0003] Heated cigarettes require a specialized heating device to heat the cigarette, allowing for effective smoke release. Heated cigarettes typically have an optimal smoke release temperature range, generally around 300℃. At this temperature, smoke release is complete and the taste is best. Excessive heating can lead to scalding the mouth and increased harmful components; insufficient heating can result in incomplete smoke release.

[0004] Currently, researchers control the actual heating temperature of heated cigarettes during smoking primarily through methods such as pre-setting heating power programs in the heated tobacco device or adjusting the heating chamber temperature in real time. However, due to the complex and varied conditions during actual smoking (e.g., different inhalation strengths, ambient air temperatures, and device temperatures), the heating temperature of the cigarette and the smoke temperature vary significantly under different smoking conditions even with the same heating power. Furthermore, current temperature control methods for heated tobacco devices do not adequately address these factors, making it difficult to ensure that heated cigarettes operate stably at the optimal heating temperature. Consequently, consumers may not experience a satisfactory and consistent smoking experience.

[0005] To solve this problem, it is necessary to develop a heating device with more sensitive and accurate temperature control and a method for controlling its heating power, so that heated cigarettes can be stably heated under complex and diverse smoking conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a heating appliance with more sensitive and accurate temperature control and a method for controlling its heating power.

[0007] The technical solution provided by this invention is as follows:

[0008] A heated smoking device includes a housing and a heating module, a control module, a power module, and an airflow sensing module disposed within the housing. The housing has a heating chamber for inserting a cigarette and an air intake channel connecting the heating chamber to the outside for allowing air to flow in during smoking. The airflow sensing module is used to detect the temperature and flow rate of the airflow in the air intake channel. The heating module includes a heating element disposed inside and / or on the surface of the heating chamber. The power module is used to provide real-time variable output power to the heating element. The control module is used to control the heating power of the heating module by adjusting the output power of the power module based on the temperature and flow rate data detected by the airflow sensing module.

[0009] Preferably, the air intake and outlet are respectively located on the surface of the housing and the surface of the heating chamber, and the inner surface of the heating chamber is in contact with the inserted cigarette.

[0010] Preferably, the airflow sensing module includes a sensing element, wires, a data transmission line, and a fixing connector. The sensing element heats up when energized and has a temperature signal feedback function. The sensing element is fixed in the air intake channel by the fixing connector so as to be in direct contact with the air intake airflow. Both ends are connected to the power module through wires to energize it, and are connected to the control module through the data transmission line to obtain the temperature and flow rate data of the air intake airflow.

[0011] Preferably, the sensing element comprises a metal wire arranged at the center of the air intake channel, and the channel does not contain any components that obstruct the airflow from contacting the sensing element.

[0012] Preferably, at at least one temperature within the range of 100 to 300°C, the resistance of the metal wire material is linearly related to the temperature. During the operation of the heated smoke device, the heat generation of the metal wire is controlled by changing the current intensity, so that the operating temperature of the metal wire remains constant, thereby obtaining the flow rate data of the intake airflow based on the current intensity.

[0013] Preferably, the control module controls the heating power of the heating module by adjusting the output power of the power supply module based on the temperature and flow rate data detected by the airflow sensing module. This includes: the control module acquiring flow rate v and temperature t data, and calculating the real-time heat data Q of the intake air by combining the specific heat capacity of air and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet flow channel; when Q is less than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to increase the heating power; when Q is greater than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to decrease the heating power; wherein, the output heating power signal W = W(standard) + a[Q(standard)], where a is the control coefficient and is a positive value; Q(standard) is the standard operating condition reference value, which is the value under the condition that the temperature is a certain set value and the intake air flow is a certain set value; W(standard) is the standard heating power, which is the power output by the control module to the heating module when the real-time heat data of the intake air is Q(standard); W(standard) is preset.

[0014] A method for controlling the heating power of a heated smoke appliance, wherein the heated smoke appliance is as described above, the method comprising: the control module acquiring flow velocity v and temperature t data, and calculating the real-time heat data Q of the intake air by combining the specific heat capacity of air and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet flow channel; when Q is less than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to increase the heating power; when Q is greater than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to decrease the heating power; wherein, the output heating power signal W = W(standard) + a[Q(standard)], where a is a control coefficient and is a positive value; Q(standard) is a standard operating condition reference value, which is a value under the condition that the temperature is a certain temperature set value and the intake air flow is a certain flow set value; W(standard) is the standard heating power, which is the power output by the control module to the heating module when the real-time heat data of the intake air is Q(standard); W(standard) is a preset value.

[0015] Preferably, the heating device further includes: when the airflow sensing module fails to detect a real-time flow rate signal for a first preset time, the heating device reduces its heating power and enters a heat preservation state; when the airflow sensing module fails to detect a real-time flow rate signal for a second preset time, the heating device stops heating; the second preset time is longer than the first preset time.

[0016] Preferably, the heated smoke device further includes a data storage module for continuously collecting user inhalation force habit data and generating a database of user inhalation airflow curves throughout the entire process; the heating power control method includes: when the heated smoke device is started again, dynamically adjusting the heating power based on each inhalation node in the database of user inhalation airflow curves throughout the entire process, and outputting control commands.

[0017] Preferably, the heated smoke device can also be set up for multiple users, and the smoking habits of different users can be recorded, processed, and control signals output separately.

[0018] Compared to existing technologies, the heated smoking device and its heating power control method of this invention, by setting up a heating module, a control module, a power supply module, and an airflow sensing module, controls the heating power of the heating module by adjusting the output power of the power supply module based on the temperature and flow rate data detected by the airflow sensing module. This allows the heating conditions of the heated smoking device to be adjusted in real time according to variables such as the smoker's inhalation force and ambient air conditions, ensuring that the cigarette maintains a constant and uniform heating temperature under complex and changing conditions, and is kept at the optimal smoke release temperature, effectively improving the consumer experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating smoke device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the airflow sensing module in the heating smoke appliance shown in Figure 1. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly set on the other component; when a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other component.

[0024] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present invention provides a heated smoke appliance, including a housing 1 and a heating module 5, a control module 2, a power supply module 3, and an airflow sensing module 7 disposed within the housing 1.

[0028] The housing 1 is provided with a heating chamber 4 for inserting a cigarette and an air intake channel 6 connecting the heating chamber 4 to the outside for air to flow in during smoking. In this embodiment, the inlet and outlet of the air intake channel 6 are respectively located on the surface of the housing 1 and the surface of the heating chamber 4, and the inner surface of the heating chamber 4 is in contact with the inserted cigarette. The contact between the inner surface of the heating chamber 4 and the inserted cigarette can achieve a seal of the heating chamber 4, preventing air from being drawn in through the heating chamber 4. Preferably, the proportion of air entering the heating chamber 4 through the air intake channel is not less than 95%.

[0029] The airflow sensing module 7 is used to detect the temperature and flow rate of the airflow in the air intake channel 6. The sampling and output rate of the airflow sensing module 7 is preferably not less than 20 times per second.

[0030] In this embodiment, the airflow sensing module 7 includes a sensing element 71, a fixing connector 72, wires, and a data transmission line (the wires and data transmission line are collectively labeled 73). The sensing element 71 heats up when energized and has a temperature signal feedback function, thereby measuring the temperature of the intake airflow. The sensing element 71 is fixed in the intake channel 6 via the fixing connector 72 to directly contact the intake airflow. Its two ends are connected to the power module 3 via wires to energize it, and it is connected to the control module 2 via the data transmission line to obtain the temperature and flow rate data 2 of the intake airflow.

[0031] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sensing element 71 is a metal wire, which is arranged at the center of the air intake channel 6, and the channel does not contain any parts that obstruct the airflow from contacting the sensing element 71. The diameter of the metal wire does not exceed 10 micrometers, and the length does not exceed 2 millimeters. The length-to-diameter ratio of the metal wire is greater than 100. The heating operating temperature of the metal wire is from room temperature to 300°C. The material of the metal wire is at least one of platinum, tungsten, nickel, copper, or their alloys. At at least one temperature within the range of 100 to 300°C, the resistance of the metal wire material is linearly related to the temperature. During the operation of the heated smoke appliance, the heat generation of the metal wire is controlled by changing the current intensity, so that the operating temperature of the metal wire remains constant. The flow rate is calculated from the current and temperature data of the metal wire (the current intensity is linearly related to the temperature and flow rate data of the intake airflow), so the flow rate data of the intake airflow can be obtained using the airflow sensing module 7. Preferably, the constant operating temperature of the metal wire is a temperature between 130 and 200°C, and more preferably a temperature between 140 and 160°C, such as 150°C.

[0032] The heating module 5 includes heating elements disposed inside and / or on the surface of the heating chamber 4. Existing products may be used for the heating elements, and will not be described in detail here.

[0033] Power module 3 is used to provide real-time variable output power to the heating element.

[0034] Control module 2 controls the heating power of heating module 5 by adjusting the output power of power module 3 based on the temperature and flow rate data detected by airflow sensing module 7. The control method includes: control module 2 acquires flow rate v and temperature t data, and calculates the real-time heat data Q of the intake air by combining the air specific heat capacity and inlet flow channel cross-sectional area. When Q is less than Q(standard), control module 2 outputs a signal to increase the heating power to heating module 5; when Q is greater than Q(standard), control module 2 outputs a signal to decrease the heating power to heating module 5. The output heating power signal W = W(standard) + a[Q(standard)], where a is the adjustment coefficient and is a positive value. Q(standard) is the standard operating condition reference value, which is the value under the conditions of a certain temperature setpoint (e.g., 25℃) and an intake air flow rate setpoint (e.g., 25mL / s). W(standard) is the standard heating power, which is the power output by control module 2 to heating module 5 when the real-time heat data of the intake air is Q(standard). W (mark) is a preset value (set by the heating device R&D personnel based on smoking performance), and its size is adjustable.

[0035] This embodiment also provides a method for controlling the heating power of a heated smoke appliance, which is the heated smoke appliance described above. The heating power control method includes: a control module 2 acquiring flow velocity v and temperature t data, combining the specific heat capacity of air and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel, calculating the real-time heat data Q of the intake air, and establishing a correlation function Q = f(v,t) between the real-time flow velocity v and temperature t (K) signals and the real-time heat data Q of the intake air; when Q is less than Q(standard), the control module 2 outputs a signal to the heating module 5 to increase the heating power; when Q is greater than Q(standard), the control module 2 outputs a signal to the heating module 5 to decrease the heating power; wherein, the output heating power signal W = W(standard) + a[Q(standard)], where a is a control coefficient, which is a positive value and its magnitude is adjustable.

[0036] Q(standard) is the standard operating condition reference value, which is the value under the conditions of a certain temperature setting (e.g., 25℃) and a certain airflow setting (e.g., 25mL / s). It is calculated based on the correlation function Q=f(v,t). W(standard) is the standard heating power, which is the power output from control module 2 to heating module 5 when the real-time heat data of the inhaled air is Q(standard). W(standard) is preset (set by the heating device R&D personnel based on the smoking performance). The calculation of W(standard) can be achieved by first establishing a standard thermal power output benchmark for the heating device. When the real-time heat data of the inhaled air is Q(standard), the power signal output from control module 2 to heating module 5 is the standard thermal power W(standard).

[0037] In this embodiment, the heating power control method may further include: when the airflow sensing module 7 fails to detect a real-time flow rate signal for a first preset time, the heating appliance reduces its heating power and enters a heat preservation state; when the airflow sensing module 7 fails to detect a real-time flow rate signal for a second preset time, the heating appliance stops heating. The second preset time is longer than the first preset time, for example, the second preset time is 120 seconds and the first preset time is 60 seconds.

[0038] In this embodiment, the heated smoke appliance also includes a data storage module for continuously collecting user inhalation force habit data and generating a database of user's entire inhalation airflow curves. The heating power control method further includes: upon the next startup of the heated smoke appliance, dynamically adjusting the heating power based on each inhalation node in the user's entire inhalation airflow curve database, and outputting control commands.

[0039] In this embodiment, the heated smoke device can also be set up for multiple users, and the smoking habits of different users can be recorded, processed, and control signals can be output separately.

[0040] Compared with existing technologies, the heated smoking device and its heating power control method provided in this embodiment, compared with conventional heated smoking devices, also have the function of real-time monitoring of the flow rate and temperature of the inhaled gas. When the inhaled airflow is strong or the airflow temperature is low, the monitoring signal is fed back to the heating module 5, causing the heating power to increase accordingly, preventing excessive cold air from being inhaled and the cigarette from failing to heat to the predetermined temperature; when the inhaled airflow is weak or the airflow temperature is high, the monitoring signal is fed back to the heating module 5, causing the heating power to decrease accordingly, preventing the cigarette from being overheated and the temperature from rising. Therefore, the heated smoking device of this invention can adjust the heating conditions of the device in real time according to variables such as the smoker's inhalation strength and ambient air, ensuring that the cigarette maintains a constant and uniform heating temperature under complex and changing conditions, maintaining it at the optimal smoke release temperature, effectively improving the consumer experience.

[0041] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A heated smoke appliance, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and a heating module, a control module, a power module, and an airflow sensing module disposed within the housing. The housing has a heating chamber for inserting a cigarette and an air intake channel connecting the heating chamber to the outside for airflow during smoking. The airflow sensing module is used to detect the temperature and flow rate of the airflow in the air intake channel. The heating module includes a heating element disposed inside and / or on the surface of the heating chamber. The power module is used to provide real-time variable output power to the heating element. The control module is used to control the heating power of the heating module by adjusting the output power of the power module based on the temperature and flow rate data detected by the airflow sensing module.

2. The heated smoke appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake channel inlet and outlet are respectively located on the surface of the housing and the surface of the heating chamber, and the inner surface of the heating chamber is in contact with the inserted cigarette.

3. The heated smoke appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow sensing module includes a sensing element, wires, a data transmission line, and a fixing connector. The sensing element heats up when powered on and has a temperature signal feedback function. The sensing element is fixed in the air intake channel through the fixing connector so as to be in direct contact with the air intake airflow. Both ends are connected to the power module through wires to power it on, and are connected to the control module through the data transmission line to obtain the temperature and flow rate data of the air intake airflow.

4. The heated smoke appliance as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing element includes a metal wire arranged at the center of the air intake channel, and the channel does not contain any components that obstruct the airflow from contacting the sensing element.

5. The heated smoke appliance as described in claim 4, characterized in that, At at least one temperature within the range of 100 to 300°C, the resistance of the metal wire material is linearly related to the temperature. During the operation of the heated smoke appliance, the heat generation of the metal wire can be controlled by changing the current intensity, so that the operating temperature of the metal wire can be kept constant, thereby obtaining the flow rate data of the intake airflow based on the current intensity.

6. The heating appliance as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The control module controls the heating power of the heating module by adjusting the output power of the power supply module based on the temperature and flow rate data detected by the airflow sensing module. This includes: the control module acquiring flow rate v and temperature t data, and calculating the real-time heat data Q of the intake air based on the air's specific heat capacity and the inlet flow channel cross-sectional area. When Q is less than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to increase the heating power; when Q is greater than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to decrease the heating power. The output heating power signal W = W(standard) + a[Q(standard)], where a is the control coefficient and is a positive value; Q(standard) is the standard operating condition reference value, which is the value under the conditions of a certain temperature setpoint and a certain airflow setpoint; W(standard) is the standard heating power, which is the power output by the control module to the heating module when the real-time heat data of the intake air is Q(standard); W(standard) is a preset value.

7. A method for controlling the heating power of a heated smoke appliance, characterized in that, The heating appliance is as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The heating power control method includes: the control module acquires flow velocity v and temperature t data, and calculates the real-time heat data Q of the intake air by combining the specific heat capacity of air and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet flow channel; when Q is less than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to increase the heating power; when Q is greater than Q(standard), the control module outputs a signal to the heating module to decrease the heating power; wherein, the output heating power signal W = W(standard) + a[Q(standard)], where a is the control coefficient and is a positive value; Q(standard) is the standard operating condition reference value, which is the value under the condition that the temperature is a certain temperature set value and the intake air flow is a certain flow set value; W(standard) is the standard heating power, which is the power output by the control module to the heating module when the real-time heat data of the intake air is Q(standard); W(standard) is preset.

8. The heating power control method for a heated smoke appliance as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: When the airflow sensing module fails to detect a real-time flow rate signal for more than a first preset time, the heating appliance reduces its heating power and enters a heat preservation state. When the airflow sensing module fails to detect a real-time flow rate signal for more than a second preset time, the heating appliance stops heating; the second preset time is longer than the first preset time.

9. The heating power control method for a heated smoke appliance as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The heated smoke device also includes a data storage module for continuously collecting user inhalation force habit data and generating a database of user inhalation airflow curves throughout the entire process; the heating power control method includes: when the heated smoke device is started again, dynamically adjusting the heating power based on each inhalation node in the database of user inhalation airflow curves throughout the entire process, and outputting control commands.

10. The heating power control method for a heated smoke appliance as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The heated smoke device can also be set up for multiple users, and the smoking habits of different users can be recorded, processed, and control signals can be output separately.

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